Kansas City
Texas Southern
Tigers Take Down 'Roos In Houston
12/19/2012 10:55:00 PM | Women's Basketball
"Losing streaks in non-conference play don't make or break a season," O'Connor said. "Our team is full of young players, as far as game experience, and these tough non-conference games are tremendous opportunities to learn game strategy and game situations that many young players typically don't face until conference. Losing is not fun, but we are getting better every game."
Junior Ashli Hill, meanwhile, added nine points, six rebounds and four blocks in the effort, while sophomore Lexis Hardiek knocked down a pair of three-point field goals for six points.
The 'Roos jumped out to a 5-2 lead early in the contest and maintained the advantage at the 8:58 mark when senior Emile Blakesley drained a three to put Kansas City ahead 14-11.
The Tigers though, would answer with a 21-5 run to close out the half and take a 32-19 lead into the locker room.
Coming out of the break, the Kangaroos cut the lead to 34-26 after a three-point play from O'Connor and a jumper by freshman Taylor Leathers, but 10 of the next 16 went to Texas Southern to put the lead back at 12 for the home team with just under 15 minutes left in the contest.
Kansas City would respond with seven of the next eight, including six by O'Connor, cutting the lead to a second half low six at 45-39 with 8:43 on the clock.
Texas Southern, however, would again end the rally, building their lead to 51-39, but four straight O'Connor free throws cut the deficit back to eight for the 'Roos.
The margin would remain at eight at the 3:25 mark when TSU used a 9-2 run to build their lead to a game-high 15 and seal the victory.
Hardiek, meanwhile, would add a pair of threes on the final UMKC possessions to put the final score at 64-53.
"It's on the shoulders of our veteran players to lead us into conference play," O'Connor added. "We've been there and we are the responsible for leading our team into it. It's our job to bring a renewed fire and passion to the team after Christmas break. Conference is when it really counts and I can't wait to see what this team will do."
The Blue & Gold will be back in action again on Friday when they face New Mexico State in Las Cruces, N.M., in their final non-league game of the season at 7:30 p.m. CT.
